December 2014

Southern Elegance and Natural Healing

Ray Access — Wed, 24 Dec 2014 21:27:02 +0000

The Omni Homestead Inn in Hot Springs, Virginia, has received plenty of accolades. From Conde Nast and USA Today to Forbes, Golf Week and Travel + Leisure, the Appalachian resort is noted as one of the best places to stay, work and vacation in the region. A quick tour of the place illustrates why.

Deck the Halls

Ray Access — Wed, 24 Dec 2014 21:23:44 +0000

When the pilgrims landed in Massachusetts in late December 1620, one of the first things they saw reminded them of home — the American holly tree.

Central Appalachian Christmas Tree Farms

Ray Access — Wed, 24 Dec 2014 21:17:29 +0000

All tree farms are not alike!

Appalachian Gift Guide

Ray Access — Wed, 24 Dec 2014 21:12:32 +0000

Christmas in Central Appalachia means getting together with your loved ones. It’s a time to share the warmth of friendship, the blessings of family and the gratitude of receiving gifts. This article highlights one gift idea from 10 Central Appalachian states. Maybe you’ll find something to give… or keep!

Stax Omega Diner

Ray Access — Wed, 24 Dec 2014 19:31:49 +0000

Take Holiday Guests to Brunch When guests come to visit and sleep late, it’s nice to have a favorite spot to bring them for breakfast, no matter how late it’s become.

Snowman Wreath

Becky Rogers — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 17:05:32 +0000

A colorful, handmade snowman wreath might be a perfect addition to your door or window during Christmastime!

Tennessee Ice Skating

Ray Access — Sat, 06 Dec 2014 21:23:45 +0000

A new winter tradition looks like it is there to stay in Tennessee!

Mary Todd Lincoln’s Kentucky White Cake

Ray Access — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 21:30:48 +0000

Although Illinois now claims Mary Todd Lincoln as a daughter with a flair for cooking delicious desserts, Mary’s cooking skills hail back to her origins in Appalachia — Lexington, Kentucky to be precise. Mary actually brought her knowledge of Southern home-cooking and gracious hospitality with her to the Illinois governor’s mansion and finally to Washington, where she served as first lady.

White-Tail Deer

Becky Rogers — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 03:04:38 +0000

No other wild animal in the Appalachians is as recognizable as the white-tail deer. Whether a mature buck with splendid antlers, a graceful doe, or a spotted fawn running with it's mother, the white-tail deer is one of the most popular animals.

A Christmas Walk To Remember

Becky Rogers — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 02:45:43 +0000

Although you may have visited the Arboretum in Spring, Summer and Autumn, you have never seen the Arboretum like you will during this Christmas season!

Appalachian Christmas Heritage

Becky Rogers — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 22:53:44 +0000

The simple Christmas traditions of the Appalachians convey timeless sentiments of the season. Although money was always in short supply, the ever-practical Appalachian people always found ways to make Christmas meaningful, a characteristic of Appalachian people that continues today. Some traditions varied throughout the region, but many traditions were common for all.